Arne Slot and Xabi Alonso have addressed Trent Alexander-Arnold's hostile reception at Anfield on Tuesday night, with the former Liverpool star mercilessly booed as his Real Madrid side slumped to a 1-0 defeat in their Champions League clash.
Alexander-Arnold controversially left the Reds for sunny Spain back in the summer transfer window, having previously won titles such as the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup during his time on Merseyside.
Tuesday evening marked his first return to Anfield since his high-profile departure - and the Liverpool crowd wasted no time in making their feelings clear.
The 27-year-old was booed prior to the contest when his name was read out - and again when he came off the bench with just nine minutes of the contest to go.
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Slot has now spoken out following the European fixture, with the Dutchman praising Liverpool fans - while also speaking warmly about his old defender.
“I was impressed by the atmosphere throughout the whole 90 minutes, even before the game," said the 47-year-old.
“I think the fans helped us over 90 minutes, and not only the time when Trent was on the pitch.”
When asked if he met Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool's seismic win, Slot added: “Only shortly afterwards. I gave him a hug, I don’t even exactly know what I said, but probably not a lot.
Arne Slot and Xabi Alonso have addressed Trent Alexander-Arnold's hostile reception at Anfield on Tuesday night, with the former Liverpool star mercilessly booed as his Real Madrid side slumped to a 1-0 defeat in their Champions League clash
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Liverpool and Real Madrid are both hoping to win the Champions League this season
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“Every time I meet him, I will either give him a hug or talk to him because he’s been very special to me as a player and as a human being.”
Liverpool haven't been at their brilliant best this season.
But they were better than Madrid on the night, with Alexis Mac Allister heading home a deserved winner for the hosts.
Slot admitted that Liverpool had endured some 'tricky weeks' - but was delighted that his side returned to form in such a huge game.
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Liverpool sunk Real Madrid via a header from Alexis Mac Allister
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Trent Alexander-Arnold got just nine minutes as Liverpool beat Real Madrid at Anfield
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"Very pleased. It's been [some] tricky weeks for us, many away games, hardly any rest in between every single game," he said.
"Again we only had two games in between this game but the same was there for Real Madrid.
"It helps if you can play in front of these fans and you can play in front of Real Madrid because I think that brings the best out of my players and out of our fans.
"A great performance against a team that only lost once all season. It could have been a bit more maybe."
While it was a crucial victory for Liverpool, however, it was a disappointing defeat for Madrid.
The LaLiga titans are among the favourites to go all the way but were a shadow of their usual selves on Merseyside.
Alonso said afterwards: "It was really tight, tight game. "The momentum, they got the lead and after we tried it was always going to be an intense game.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot was proud of his side following their Champions League win over Real Madrid
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"Unluckily we couldn't get anything. We have tried, for sure, we have reached the last line, but we didn't create that many chances as expected."
On Alexander-Arnold being booed, he added: "Well, it could be expected. He was focused and wanted to be part of it.
"So first time. He has challenges for him - it is new experience. Step by step, but we are happy we have him."
Both sides won't have too long to wait until they're back in action.
Liverpool will face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday (4.30pm) hoping to get their title challenge back on track.
As for Madrid, they'll face Rayo Vallecano on the same day (3.15pm).